Saudi journalist praises Palestinians and sends message to Dahlan

Prominent Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi has praised the signing in Cairo of a reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas. This is the latest step in the efforts to end the political division between the major Palestinian factions.

“Congratulations to the heroic Palestinian people for the return of hope by restoring national unity and rising up once again with our just cause,” Khashoggi wrote on his Facebook page. “And congratulations to our people in Gaza on the signs of lifting the long-lived and harsh pressures and collective punishment that they were subjected to for no doing of their own.”

Khashoggi also directed a message to former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan on his personal Twitter page. “Just as he is convinced of the need to end the nihilistic conflict for the sake of Palestine’s interest, I wish Abu Fadi [Dahlan] would convince those around him to stop the greater conflict for the sake of the entire region.” This was a reference to the government of the UAE, where Dahlan lives.

The journalist made his comment in response to Dahlan’s thanks directed at Egypt “for its brotherly efforts and dedication to a new Palestinian development towards regrouping and replacing internal conflict with internal reconciliation.”